Second XV
Kelston Boys High School
7-7
Draw
Try: Trent Freeman
Conversion: Aidan Morgan
With a mathematical chance of making the semi-finals, our team approached this game with a positive frame of mind. It was also an opportunity to farewell our Year 13 players who have given so much to the team this year.
Due to unfortunate injuries this year, we started the game with a lock (Laith Hammond) on one wing and very soon after, we had a flanker (Weropuna Witika) on the other. We lost three players to head-knocks and it is a credit to the team that they were still attacking and showing excellent endeavour throughout the entire game.
Kelston Boys High School were playing for a home semi-final and have performed well this year, only losing to ourselves in pre-season. The game was fitting for a quarter-final and remained dead-locked at 0-0 with 12 minutes to go.
It was Kelston Boys High School who finally got points on the board with an excellent pick-and-go from their openside flanker. King's responded perfectly with several minutes spent attacking their line before multiple phases led to Trent Freeman receiving a pass in mid-field and winning the race to the line. Aidan Morgan managed to steer the ball between the posts and an exciting last four minutes ensued but neither team could steal the victory.
The draw was probably a very fair result of two evenly matched teams. Kelston Boys High School lost their home advantage with this result and will play their semi-finals away. King's fall just outside the semi-finals, but it is quite fortunate as our fit and able players total only nine. It really has been survival for the later part of this season.
The team farewell great contributors as they leave the College, with special mention to captains Oliva Mason and Billy Coman as well as Lupeni Tonga, Sam Ludbrook, Alowesi Suveinakama, Josh Numanga,Jason de Heer, Ben Taylor and Reece Waters.
Colts
Auckland Grammar School
19-15
Win
The Colts team had a nail-biting win in the weekend against arch rivals Auckland Grammar School. The conditions were good and the side-lines were full.
King’s started off well with excellent set-piece giving the foundation for the backs to pull off a move that split the Auckland Grammar defence. This was followed by another attacking run by open-side Harry Lee, who ran an exceptional line to score under the sticks.
At half-time our team was in the lead, but in the second half three yellow cards were given out in the space of ten minutes. The heart defence from King’s in their own half kept Auckland Grammar School out for most of the game.
Winger George Brown scored a magical try, as the ball bounced off the boot of Xela Pathan to score in the corner and secure the end result, 19-15.
Major impact off the bench from JP, Amorangi, and Komani gave King’s the extra effort to close the game off.
King’s Colts will now be playing this Saturday in the 2b semi-final.
Under 15s
Dilworth College
26-19
Win
Tries Trent Tairoa (2), Dayton Lobu, Chicago Doyle
Conversions: Chicago Doyle, Budda Doyle
We won our last game of the season 26-19. The boys scored four great tries and at times displayed glimpses superb ability. It was a good way to finish a season that promised so much more. We had the potential to make the top four, however the loss to Aorere College and the draw with Auckland Grammar School meant that we just missed out on securing a semi-final berth.
I was delighted with the performance of a number of boys this year, particularly the seven Year 9 boys who played in this demanding grade. Israel Otunuku did an excellent job captaining the side and lead by example every week. I would like to thank John Commisssaris, a Year 13 student, who did a fantastic job co-coaching the side.
4th Grade
Tangaroa College
Win by default
5A
Auckland Grammar School
5-27
Loss
We started with a try in the first 60 seconds but the challenge was then to defend, and we were found wanting in the open spaces.
6th Grade
St. Peters College
15-21
Loss
Try: Harry Marsh and Charlie Wrapson
Conversion: Nathan Robinson
Penalty: Nathan Robinson
Our team returned to St. Peter's to play their second fixture after shading St. Peter's 13-8 first time around. We knew that St. Peter's would be hungry and desperate for revenge and unfortunately, we let them jump out to a 14-3 lead early in the match.
St Peter's brought a lot of aggression and intensity to the contest and it took half an hour to get into the match. When we finally did get some positive ball in the second half and, with the try of the year being scored with 15 minutes on the clock to make it 14-10, we were right back in it again.
Unfortunately, a solo effort from the opposition wing put the game to bed. Hopefully a few important lessons have been learned from the last three weeks and 6A will be ready to face their semi-final as a wounded beast.
7th Grade
Takapuna Grammar School
10-10
Draw
This was a must-win match played in great spirits with both sides needing and wanting the win. Unfortunately, we ended up with a draw, resulting in a failure to get into the final next week.
Everyone tried their best and we were a little unlucky not to come away with the win. Once again, the forwards toiled away providing backs a good platform. Both sides performed well so when the final whistle blew there was a strong sense of deflation.
However, the season has been very enjoyable and fulfilling. Well done Ollie Laity for his captaincy! Good luck for next season boys!
